A couple of weeks ago I took a look at the havoc pests and disease can wreak on tomato growing dreams. But apocalyptic absorption is wearing, so I thought we could do with a bit of a breather before finishing off the diary of destruction.
Having now regrouped, this week is declared Tomato Disorder week.
Disorders are caused by something in the plants environment or surroundings which can include the misdemeanours of its principal carer – the gardener.
Today’s disorder is Blossom End Rot. To which I hold my frond up and say guilty. I lost a few bowlfuls to this last year.
Blossom end Rot is caused by lack of calcium. There may be ample calcium in the soil/compost but water is needed for the calcium to be taken up by the roots, round the plant and into the developing fruits.
Calcium builds strong cell walls. Without it walls do not get build, cells collapse and turn brown. It tends to happen on extremities. So the bottom of an elongated Roma tomato may not get built in a day or any other measure of time. Instead a dark brownish, flat leathery bottom on the fruit renders it spoilt.
So the solution is probably not more calcium but regular watering to transport the calcium. And if you correct your watering regime the problem on that plant should correct itself for newer fruit.
